ALAN Shearer has revealed how he is looking forward to sharpening up Newcastle United’s strike force in the next eight games.

Newcastle have scored three times in their last three games, but Shearer feels he can get much more out of the abundance of renowned goal-scorers he has at his disposal.

He knows all about Michael Owen after partnering the £17m man for club and country throughout his goal-filled career.

And, having observed the man who inherited his No 9 shirt after 10 years and 206 goals, Shearer feels that Oba Martins, who scored but missed a penalty in his last game against Arsenal, has plenty to offer.

Shearer is also excited by the prospect of working with Danish international Peter Lovenkrands, Shola Ameobi and injured Mark Viduka, while young Geordie striker Andy Carroll used to watch Shearer as a season ticket holder.

Shearer also has in-form reserve striker Nile Ranger who will be rubbing his hands at the prospect of working with the legendary England star after being capped by England under-19s during the international break.

Shearer told the Chronicle: “We’ve got great strikers to work with.

“We’ve got Oba, we’ve got Michael, Mark Viduka’s injured at this moment in time, we’ve got Andy Carroll, Shola and Lovenkrands and one or two youngsters as well who might be used.

“They did well in training on the first day.

“The ones who aren’t fit we’ve got to get fit.

“But the ones we’ve got we will work with.

“There are goals in this team, there really are.

“And we will be trying to create chances for them.”

United have started recent home games with Manchester United and Arsenal with promise before fading away but ultimately did not take their chances and squandered opportunities to get big results.

Indeed, Martins’ weak penalty against Arsenal dented hopes of victory and, away to Hull City, the Nigerian and Michael Owen, who was dropped for the game against the Gunners, were starved of service.

Yet Shearer said: “That doesn’t interest me.

“I’m not going to dwell on the past.

“Whatever the reason for the results of the past – poor confidence, poor play or referee’s decisions – doesn’t bother me

“I can’t alter that.

“I can only focus on the games we have left.”

Shearer also unveiled former Toon physio and FA Youth Cup winner Paul Ferris, who will now oversee United’s medical staff.

United have been without some key players, including strikers like Martins, Owen, Viduka and Carroll, for key periods.

Shearer said: “Paul Ferris was with Newcastle for 13 years and then went on to be a barrister.

“But he still loves that side of things.

“Newcastle, more than any other football club, has had its fair share of injuries.

“I think it’s important that he can look into that with the other medical staff.”